Cranes have been used since ancient times to lift heavy materials and construct some of the tallest structures. They were initially made from wood and powered by humans or animals. During the industrial revolution, cranes were built using stronger materials, like steel and cast iron. Technical advances in power generation, […]

View the complete article here. For those embarking on a construction project involving the use of concrete, there may be some question about the best method of application.  There are three primary methods that can be utilized, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: traditional poured concrete, shotcrete, and gunite.  […]

View complete article here. It goes without saying that crane inspection and maintenance are critical to safety on the job site. Property owners and contractors are obligated to follow OSHA guidelines when it comes to the safety of workers and other people on the project. These regulations are designed with […]

View the complete article here. View Part I here. Pile Buck published its special “Trumpistructure” edition after the presidential election in 2016. At the time, the most recent American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE) report card from 2013 gave America’s infrastructure a grade of D+. Unfortunately, as we approach 2020, […]

Cranes are both impressive and efficient on the job site, but, unfortunately, they also have the potential to be extremely dangerous. You can get run over by one. The load it’s carrying can fall on top of you or the crane can topple over and crush you. You can get […]

View complete article here. When operating cranes and other weight-handling equipment the potential for property damage or serious injury always lingers. If a specific job is being conducted with improper equipment or without a crucial accessory the likelihood of property loss or bodily harm to workers is magnified. To avoid […]

When conducting both ordinary and critical lifts, an operator and signal person must be familiar with all crane or hoist operating characteristics and related safety rules. While general practices vary based on the circumstances of each lift, some standards always hold true. Regardless of lift type, the most important step […]

Proper utilization and inspection of shackles, eyebolts, hooks, and clips is of high importance when moving sizable loads. The following article provides operating guidelines and inspection-related overviews of these common rigging components, along with a review of hoists and general terminology. Shackles  Manufactured in anchor and chain configurations for rigging […]

For prospective riggers and operators, an understanding of how to properly use slings and identify sling deficiencies during pre-use inspections is paramount. Because slings typically handle loads under less than ideal circumstances, and in conjunction with equipment of varying ages, extreme caution should always be exercised during their use. Adherence […]

Heavy machinery can be one of the most costly investments for a contractor, so proper maintenance of such equipment is vital to ensuring a maximum return on investment—not to mention the fact that the extra care increases both production and profit on individual construction jobs. After all, if your heavy […]